Name: Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 4 (14.5 oz) cans black beans, divided; 6 slices (7 oz) bacon, chopped into small pieces; 1 large yellow onion, chopped (1 3/4 cups); 1 medium red bell pepper or 1 large poblano pepper, seeded, stemmed and diced small; 4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves); 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth, divided; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1 tsp chili powder (regular or Ancho); 1 tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; Sour cream; Cheese (shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese); Diced avocado; Diced roma tomatoes; Chopped cilantro; Tortilla chips

There’s something about a bowl of warm, hearty soup that just feels like a hug in a bowl, and this Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe definitely hits the spot. The smoky bacon combined with creamy black beans and a touch of spice makes it the kind of meal that comforts and satisfies every time.

A white pot filled with thick brown soup, showing layers of black beans, bright red chunks, and chopped green herbs floating on its surface. A silver ladle lifts a scoop of the soup, displaying the same mix of dark beans, red pieces, and green cilantro leaves on top. The pot’s rim has small brown stains, and the soup looks warm and rich with visible textures of beans and vegetables. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this soup. It’s one of those recipes that feels gourmet but comes together without a fuss. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
Rich, smoky flavor: The bacon adds a depth that really wakes up the black beans.
Comfort in minutes: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days.
Flexible toppings: Customize it exactly how you want with avocados, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

This image shows a white pot filled with a thick mix of black beans, small red pepper pieces, and greens in a brownish broth, topped with fresh cilantro leaves scattered across the surface. A shiny metal spoon is resting inside the pot on the left side, partially submerged. The pot is sitting on a light blue cloth on a round wooden tray, with lime wedges placed near the bottom right corner of the image. The background is a white marbled surface, and tortilla chips in soft gold color are placed in the top left background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients here come together to create big flavor without complicated steps. Each adds something unique to the soup’s soul — from the savory bacon fat to the smoky spices.

Flat lay of a small mound of shiny black beans, several crispy chopped bacon pieces, a large yellow onion with a rough outer layer, a medium red bell pepper diced into small cubes, a few cloves of whole garlic with papery skins, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl holding fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small heap of reddish chili powder, a small pile of ground cumin, a fresh lime cut in half showing the juicy interior, a small bunch of bright green chopped cilantro, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Black beans: Canned black beans keep this recipe easy, but rinsing and pureeing some really boosts the texture.
Bacon: The star player for smoky, crispy bites throughout the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Red bell or poblano pepper: Gives a subtle earthy flavor and a nice pop of color.
Garlic: A must for that punch of aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth: Keeps the soup light but flavorful; low-sodium is best to control salt levels.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle smoky acidity that balances the creaminess of the beans.
Chili powder and cumin: Essential for that warm, Mexican-inspired spice profile.
Lime juice: A splash at the end brightens and lifts all the flavors.
Cilantro: Brings freshness that cuts through the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this easy black bean soup with bacon recipe, and you totally should too! It’s the perfect base to tweak based on what you like or have on hand.

Vegetarian version: Leave out the bacon and add a splash of smoked paprika to keep that smoky vibe without meat.
Heat it up: Toss in some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick.
Chunkier or smoother: Blend more or less of the beans depending on your texture preference.
Daddy’s twist: My dad likes to top it with crushed tortilla chips to add a fun crunch — I highly recommend!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Puree and Prep the Beans

I start by pulsing about one and a half cans of drained black beans with half a cup of chicken broth in the food processor until smooth. This adds a creamy texture without heaviness. Meanwhile, rinse the rest of the beans and set everything aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Sauté Veggies

Next, I heat a large pot and cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy—don’t rush this step because those bits add the best flavor. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat behind. Then toss in the onions and peppers, cooking until they soften, before adding garlic and spices for just a minute to let the aromas bloom.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Time to bring it all together! Pour in the remaining chicken broth, the pureed beans, rinsed beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer with the lid on for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded, stir in the crispy bacon, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Serve it up while it’s warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make my Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe especially good — and I want to share them with you so you get the best bowl every single time.

Don’t skimp on crisping the bacon: The contrast between the crispy bacon and the creamy soup is where the magic happens.
Toast your spices: Adding chili powder and cumin to the hot onion and pepper mix for about a minute intensifies their flavor—trust me, it’s worth it.
Adjust thickness on the fly: If the soup feels too thick, just splash in a bit more broth or water as it simmers.
Lime juice is essential: Adding fresh lime at the very end brightens the flavors like nothing else.

How to Serve Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the toppings make all the difference. I usually pile on some shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Sometimes I’ll throw on crushed tortilla chips to add that irresistible crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some warm, crusty bread. I especially love it alongside cheese quesadillas or homemade cornbread for a filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a casual dinner party, I served this soup in small, individual bread bowls with a side of tortilla chip "scoops" to dip. It was a hit, turning a humble soup into an interactive, fun experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days, and the flavors deepen overnight—if you can wait that long!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This keeps the soup creamy and prevents it from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak and fully cook the dried beans before using them in this recipe. This swap will take extra time, but the soup will be just as delicious.

What if I don’t eat pork or want to skip the bacon?

You can leave out the bacon and add a smoky seasoning like smoked paprika to keep depth of flavor. Sauté vegetables in olive oil instead of bacon fat. The recipe remains tasty and hearty!

How spicy is this soup?

This Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe is mildly spiced, thanks to chili powder and cumin. If you like a little heat, you can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.

Do you recommend blending all the beans for a smooth soup?

I prefer to puree only some of the beans to keep a nice balance of creaminess and texture. But if you like it silky smooth, feel free to blend all the beans!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Black Bean Soup with Bacon Recipe is more than just a meal to me—it’s a reminder that simple ingredients and a little time can create something truly comforting and delicious. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to tweak it and make it your own—cooking is all about what makes you happy at the table!